The Fiji Police Force is urging survivors of alleged sexual crimes to report their cases to the authorities. Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations Livai Driu highlighted that no complaints have been made against a senior government official who recently resigned. He emphasized the importance of lodging complaints, stating that action cannot be taken without them.
The allegations of sexual harassment against the official were initially brought to light during a media interview with Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka last month. In response to the situation, the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre and the Fiji Women’s Rights Movement issued a joint statement urging Prime Minister Rabuka and the Government to withdraw the official’s nomination for a diplomatic position. FWCC co-ordinator Shamima Ali expressed concern, stating that the nomination of an individual accused of sexual harassment underscores the normalization and minimization of sexual violence, particularly at high government levels where offenders are often rewarded.
Inquiries sent to Prime Minister Rabuka, who is currently in New Zealand, have not received a response.